The 16th Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged teachers to end embarking on industrial action in a bid for the central government to address their concerns as the strike affects pupils directly and not the politicians at large.
He in his address at the 6th quadrennial national delegates conference of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) held in Greater Kumasi said students most at times face the consequences of the strike actions by teachers.
His Royal Majesty expressing worry about the unfortunate incident that has been going on for decades called on the central government to put in place measures to meet the demand of teachers to avoid industrial actions.
“Those who really suffer are the innocent children. I urge you all to have an improved way for negotiations that will minimize, if not eliminate, any recourse to industrial action and the harmful consequences on our children.
“While we will always urge moderation in the face of the national economic realities, we will urge policymakers to ensure that the status of our teachers truly reflect the level of importance we attach to their place in society,” he added.
In a related development, the Minister for Education and Bosomtwe Member of Parliament Dr Yaw Adutwum has said the Ministry of Finance is working to release funds for payment of Colleges of Education teachers unpaid allowance
His comment comes after the teachers in a statement copied to EducationWeb.com.gh announced its intention to withdraw its services across all the 46 public Colleges of Education effective 6th January 2022, over unpaid arrears.
The College teachers said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government on September 24, 2021, over the allowance but unfortunately, the stipends for October and November 2021 are yet to be paid.
“CETAG members are anxiously and patiently waiting for full payments of the agreed allowances (January 2021 to December 2021) at the end of December 2021 without which the Association shall activate its intended strike action
We, therefore, serve notice that CETAG members across all the 46 CoE have resolved to embark on an indefinite strike effective January 6, 2022, if the said payments are not made in full at the end of December 2021,” it said on Monday.
But, the Education Minister, Yaw Osei Adutwum speaking on Accra-based Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show monitored by EducationWeb said the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is currently processing the payment of the unpaid allowance.
“The allowance will be paid in due course, we have signed and submitted a letter to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to process the payment, so we will urge the leadership of CETAG to exercise patience,” Mr Osei Adutwum said.